When taking on employees you have to be mindful of state labor laws. If they are sales people working on commission only then you might get away with this form of payment. However if they are providing you skilled labor then you maybe required to pay them minimum wage.

The bigger question should by, why would someone want to work for you with little or no pay? And who would trust the growth of their company with staff making little to no pay?

It's the old saying, you get what you pay for.

Without knowing too much about your company I would say that if you do not have revenue your not ready to hire. The free labor comes from founders (sweat equity).

I would be glad to speak with you further on the topic.
Best of luck.